If you’ve been struggling with depression, anxiety, or chronic pain that hasn’t improved with traditional treatments, you may have heard about ketamine therapy as a new and promising option.
But who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy, and how do you know if it’s the right next step for you?
Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine is now being used in mental health care for its rapid and transformative effects—especially for people who feel “stuck” after trying medications, therapy, or lifestyle changes without lasting relief.
Still, it’s not for everyone. Understanding who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy can help you make an informed decision about whether it’s a safe and effective option for your unique situation.
At Annapolis Counseling Center, we’re proud to offer ketamine therapy as part of our commitment to evidence-based, compassionate care for individuals who haven’t found relief through traditional treatment paths
Let’s explore what ketamine can treat, who benefits most, what risks to be aware of, and how to tell if it’s the right fit for your healing journey.
What conditions can ketamine therapy treat?
When considering who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy, it helps to understand the range of conditions it can address. Research and clinical practice show ketamine’s effectiveness in treating several mental health challenges, including:
- Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Bipolar depression (in some cases)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Chronic pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain
What makes ketamine different is its ability to act quickly—sometimes within hours—by targeting the brain’s glutamate system and promoting new neural connections (a process known as neuroplasticity). This rapid relief can be life-changing for people who’ve spent years trying traditional medications with little success.
So, who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy in this case? Typically, it’s someone whose symptoms haven’t improved after trying two or more antidepressant medications or standard therapy methods.
Who is most likely to benefit from ketamine therapy?
Who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy often depends on both their mental health history and their readiness for a new approach. People most likely to benefit include those who:
- Have persistent or treatment-resistant depression
- Experience severe anxiety, PTSD, or suicidal thoughts
- Are open to combining ketamine with ongoing therapy for deeper emotional processing
- Are looking for faster symptom relief to re-engage with daily life or therapy
Because ketamine works on a different neurotransmitter system than SSRIs or SNRIs, it’s especially effective for individuals who haven’t responded to those medications.
That said, the best outcomes occur when ketamine is part of a comprehensive plan—paired with therapy, mindfulness, and lifestyle support. So, who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy isn’t just about diagnosis—it’s about being ready for meaningful change and integration after each session.
Are there any health risks or contraindications for ketamine therapy?
While ketamine is generally safe when administered under medical supervision, understanding the risks helps determine who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy and who may need an alternative.
You might not be an ideal candidate if you have:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease
- Certain psychiatric conditions, such as active psychosis or schizophrenia
- Substance use disorder (especially with dissociative drugs)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding status
- Severe liver disease or uncontrolled thyroid issues
Side effects can include mild dissociation, dizziness, nausea, or elevated heart rate—usually temporary and managed within the treatment session.
A thorough evaluation with your provider ensures who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy is based on your overall physical and mental health—not just your symptoms. This medical screening process is essential to your safety and success.
How do I know if ketamine therapy is the right choice for me?
If you’re wondering who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy, start by asking yourself these questions:
- Have I tried multiple antidepressants or therapies without lasting relief?
- Am I ready to explore a new approach under professional guidance?
- Do I have a trusted provider who can integrate ketamine with my broader treatment plan?
- Am I willing to process emotions and insights that may surface during treatment?
If you answered yes to most of these, you may very well be a good candidate for ketamine therapy. But the only way to know for sure is through a professional assessment—one that considers your medical history, goals, and emotional readiness.
At Annapolis Counseling Center, we specialize in helping clients determine who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy through compassionate, evidence-based evaluation. We look at your full story—not just your symptoms—to see whether ketamine could help you move forward with greater clarity, energy, and hope.
Final thoughts: Finding your next step toward relief
If you’ve been searching for something that finally works, you’re not alone. Many people exploring who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy are doing so after years of trying everything else. And for many, this treatment offers the breakthrough they’ve been waiting for.
Whether ketamine therapy is right for you or not, know this: there is a path to healing. Talking with a trusted provider is the best way to explore your options and take the next step toward the relief and renewal you deserve.
At Annapolis Counseling Center, our clinicians are here to help you understand who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy, guide you through every step of the process, and create a plan tailored to your individual needs—so you can finally move from surviving to truly living.